Buffered articaine infiltration for primary maxillary molar extractions: a randomized controlled study.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Anesthesiology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Dental pain management is crucial in pediatric dentistry.
• Articaine is a preferred anesthetic for infiltration.
• Buffering articaine may improve its efficacy and patient comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare buffered and non-buffered articaine for primary maxillary molar extractions in children.
• To evaluate pain on injection, onset of action, and pain during extraction.
• To assess the impact of sodium bicarbonate buffering on articaine's performance.

Main Methods:

• Triple-blind randomized study of 70 children aged 4-10 years.
• Comparison of buffered (NaHCO3) and non-buffered 4% articaine with 1:100000 adrenaline.
• Subjective (Wong-Baker Faces) and objective (Sound Eye Motor scale, dental probe) pain and onset assessments.

Main Results:

• Buffered articaine showed significantly less pain on injection.
• Significantly faster onset of anesthesia was observed with buffered articaine.
• Buffered articaine resulted in significantly less pain during extraction, confirmed by both subjective and objective measures.

Conclusions:

• Buffering articaine with sodium bicarbonate enhances its performance in pediatric dental anesthesia.
• Buffered articaine offers reduced injection pain, quicker onset, and less procedural pain for primary molar extractions.
• Findings support the use of buffered articaine for improved pediatric dental patient experience.